Dig For Life Provides Screenings to Women in Need

October 10th, 2013

Breast cancer is most curable when doctors catch it early. That is why annual mammograms starting at age 40 are so important – and why Saint Francis Medical Center is committed to helping women obtain mammograms, even if they cannot afford them.

Saint Francis’ Dig for Life campaign raises money to provide free mammograms to hundreds of area women who cannot afford breast cancer screenings because of lack of insurance. The campaign started as a partnership between Saint Francis and the Southeast Missouri State University women’s volleyball team, and has grown to provide more than 400 free mammograms annually to area women who otherwise cannot afford them.

“The campaign has become a community effort,” says Trinka Hileman, RN, BSN, MBA, director of radiology services and Womancare at Saint Francis. “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of businesses and schools throughout the community.”